American Sniper: Review

26 January 2015Last Updated on 07 April 2015Written by David Cantu0 Comments

Chris Kyle (Bradley Cooper) was the most lethal sniper in U.S. military history. But there was much more to this true American hero than his skill with a rifle. U.S. Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle is sent to Iraq with only one mission: to protect his brothers-in-arms. His pinpoint accuracy saves countless lives on the battlefield and, as stories of his courageous exploits spread, he earns the nickname “Legend.” However, his reputation is also growing behind enemy lines, putting a price on his head and making him a prime target of insurgents. Despite the danger, as well as the toll on his family at home, Chris serves through four harrowing tours of duty in Iraq, becoming emblematic of the SEAL creed to “leave no man behind.” But upon returning home, Chris finds that it is the war he can’t leave behind.

I had been waiting to see this film since I heard it was going to be made. Chris Kyle’s story is one that many people have heard about but aren’t aware of what an impact he made on the frontlines. This movie does just that. It also does an awesome job at showing who the man was away from the battlefield. The movie did feel like it sometimes moved along a little too quick but not so quick that it felt like you were cheated out of anything. Cooper embodied everything that Kyle was and played him so well. From bulking up his frame to sounding almost identical, Cooper showed that he can play anything. I know there has been lots of controversy as to what people think about Kyle being a sniper among other things but in the end he was in a war overseas trying to protect others so I think people should at least acknowledge that the man was serving his country and at the same time saving so many other lives. This movie also showed how soldiers are and can be affected by PTSD and even though Kyle would be home for leave his mind was still on the battlefield and they show just how hard it was for someone to adjust. The film left me at a loss for words and definitely gave me a renewed appreciation for what the people in our Armed Forces do. 9/10